2nd Sunday in Lent – 24th February 2013

In view of direction in which our Lenten bible study (Homeward Bound) is leading us, I have been contemplating “Home”, listening to others and pondering the meaning of “home” in my life.

We are all different, so our experience of “Home” can be vastly different.

  • It is the “place” from which we originate – whether we see this as the town, building and or the people of our origins – the place and people of our beginnings.
  • “Home” conjures up images of places of safety, and relationships that anchor us and give a sense of belonging.
  • Home is a place of nurture and acceptance – a place of welcome.
  • Home is the place where we first learned the values upon which our life and faith are built.
  • Home is where we can slip our shoes off, put on comfortable clothes, take off the masks with which we sometimes hide from the world, and be more fully ourselves.
  • It is said, “Home is where the heart is” and ”St Augustine wrote “Our hearts are made for you, O Lord, and they will not rest until they rest in you.”

My own physical home has changed too many times to count.  My place of belonging among the people I love has not changed but my family is scattered and distant so I am unable to live within the comfort of those close bonds. Even Maurie is away more often than he is at home.

I agree with Augustine and I thank God that, despite my constant moving and distance from my loved ones, I have faith in God who gives me a place of belonging which is not confined or defined by walls, but rather contained in a relationship which is at once that of a child and parent, close brother/friend, and constant indwelling companion. I pray that wherever you are in life’s journey, whatever your experience of “home”, you may know a place of total welcome in the presence of God.

Many Blessings

Reverend Shan